Stock markets LIVE: FTSE forecast to soar 12.3% after huge Asian gains overnight on Nikkei

Britain's and FTSE 250 are poised to deliver "greater returns" before the end of the year, an expert has said. Zaven Boyrazian pointed to an update from The Economy Forecast Agency which he said has updated its prediction for the FTSE 100 to reach 9,635 points, a gain of 12.3% from 8,580, thanks to a boost in consumer spending.

Mr Boyrazian, writing for , said: "Pairing this boost in shopping activity with a fall in inflation from 3% to 2.8% paints a welcome trend of a return towards growth. That's terrific news for UK shares in general." He added if the increased spending activity continues throughout the year, then the and FTSE 250 "could be primed to deliver greater returns before December comes knocking".

His reading comes as Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index gained 6% as markets calmed somewhat after shocks from US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

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